PARLIAMENT QUESTION: PROJECTS UNDER NMSHE

**Executive Summary** This document summarizes a parliamentary question regarding projects under the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE). The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is supporting various R&D programs, State Climate Change Centers, and Centers of Excellence. This information was submitted to Rajya Sabha on 12th February 2026. **Key Points / Main Content** * **NMSHE R&D Programs & Centers:** * DST supports various R&D programs under NMSHE. * State Climate Change Centres (SCCCs) have been established in 13 States/UTs of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). * 03 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) have been established at the University of Kashmir, Srinagar; Sikkim University, Gangtok; and Tezpur University, Tezpur. * **Projects & Initiatives:** * 10 projects are supported under the Major R&D Programme. * 06 Thematic Task Forces, 06 State Network Programmes, and a National Network Programme are also supported. * These projects address challenges related to the Himalayan ecosystem, climate change, and adaptation strategies. * **Strengthening of SCCCs:** * DST has strengthened SCCCs in all 13 States/UTs of IHR under NMSHE. * These SCCCs assist states in vulnerability and risk assessments, public awareness, and capacity-building. * SCCCs have been networked with experts and agencies to build capacity in areas like disaster risk reduction and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk assessment. * **Annexure-I: List of Supported Projects (Examples):** * Assessment of Impact of Climate Change on Natural Resources and Livelihood of Arunachal Pradesh (Host Institute: NERIST, Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh). * Study of Glacial Dynamic and Sustainable Hydrological resources in Arunachal Himalaya (Host Institute: IIT Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam). * Assessment of socio-ecological vulnerability to climate change among agroforestry managers along an altitude gradient in the Eastern Himalayas (Host Institute: Assam University, Silchar, Assam) * Net ecosystem production and carbon dynamics of forest ecosystems in North East India in relation to altitude and latitude gradient: Implications for carbon sink management (Host Institute: Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram) * Climate Change and Sustainability of Agricultural Practices and Livelihoods in Eastern Himalayas: Case Studies in Northeastern Region, India (Host Institute: Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam) * Climate change impact assessment of threatened taxa in the Eastern Himalaya: Regeneration and conservation strategies (Host Institute: Gauhati University, Guwahati, Assam) * Long-term ecological monitoring of forest plots in Mizoram, Northeast India (Host Institute: Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram) * Reconstructing the Late Quaternary climate change records from the Lakes in Trans-Himalayan Ladakh (Host Institute: University of Ladakh, Leh, Ladakh) * Development of climate resilient and sustainable agri-based systems for better food, feed, nutritional and livelihood security options to farming community of Cold arid region-Ladakh (Host Institute: National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana) * Integrated Cryospheric Observations and Associated Hazards to Changing Climate, Central Himalaya (Host Institute: Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU), Srinagar, Uttarakhand) **Impact Analysis** **State Governments/UTs in IHR** *Impact:* Beneficiaries of strengthened SCCCs, which are vital for undertaking vulnerability and risk assessments and capacity building programs. *Action Required:* Engage with SCCCs to leverage their expertise and resources for climate change-related initiatives. **Research Institutions (e.g., Universities, IITs, NERIST, National Dairy Research Institute)** *Impact:* Implementing agencies for R&D projects under NMSHE. *Action Required:* Execute the assigned research projects according to the program guidelines and contribute to the mission's objectives. **Scientists and Experts:** *Impact:* Providing support, expertise, and training through the networked State Climate Change Centres (SCCCs) *Action Required:* Actively participate in supporting and building capacities for the SCCCs. **Local Communities in the Himalayan Region** *Impact:* Expected to benefit from the research and adaptation strategies aimed at addressing climate change challenges in the Himalayan ecosystem. *Action Required:* Participate in public awareness programs and adopt climate-resilient practices promoted by the projects.

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